There are three great challenges facing Colombia’s next government: implementing peace, strengthening democracy and eliminating corruption. Failing to fulfill the peace agreements with the FARC could bring about new conflicts and would postpone the social, political and economic transformation the country longs for. Strengthening democracy will require overcoming both the Gordian knot of Colombia’s political system, evident in the crisis among its political parties, and the enormous skepticism of its electorate, which is fed by acts of public corruption. All these give life to the dangers of populism. Today, none of the three branches of government inspires confidence in the people. Reviving Colombia’s institutions and restoring citizens’ trust in their public servants are tasks that cannot be postponed.